Fisheries Professor Hooks National Award for Research

Tuesday, July 23 2013

MOSCOW, Idaho –Michael Quist, a University of Idaho associate professor of fish and wildlife sciences, has won a national award recognizing his excellence in research.

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Cooperative Research Units program named Quist the winner of its Excellence in Science Award for fiscal year 2012. Quist is an assistant leader of the Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.

A memorandum announcing the award noted Quist’s research and publishing productivity as major reasons for his selection. It also recognized his role as an “excellent mentor to his graduate students” and the importance of his work in influencing government agencies’ fish-management decisions.

“Being recognized for this award is quite an honor given the high quality of other fish and wildlife scientists in the Cooperative Research Unit program,” Quist said. “The recognition is a testament to the quality of my students and the support I receive from the University of Idaho and natural resource agencies.”

“Dr. Quist’s record of scientific accomplishment is outstanding by any standard, and the Department of the Interior has recognized his productivity with this award,” said Kurt Pregitzer, dean of the UI College of Natural Resources. “Mike is a rising star in fisheries research and management.”

Quist’s research focuses primarily on the population ecology of various fish species, which is important for agencies whose roles include setting fishing regulations and managing fish habitats. Through the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Quist works closely with state, tribal and federal agencies to provide support and solve problems relating to fish management.

The majority of Quist’s research takes place in the state of Idaho. For example, he is currently working with students to study kokanee in Lake Pend Oreille, supported by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and westslope cutthroat trout in Lake Coeur d’Alene, supported by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe.

“Almost everything I’m doing is being conducted in Idaho or has application to natural resources in this state,” he said.

In addition to preparing his students – many of whom plan to work at fish and wildlife agencies – for successful careers, Quist’s goal is producing information that is valuable for agencies to make science-based management decisions.

“Making sure that the work we’re doing results in changes on the ground – that’s what I’m all about,” he said.

The Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit is housed in the UI College of Natural Resource’s Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences. It is a partnership among the University of Idaho, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

About the University of Idaho
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